First Meeting
They had reached the halfway point towards another new planet when a ship dropped out of warp close to them. Captain Fujita was prepared to go to red alert when Lieutenant Commander Lana Petrov recognized Inuyashian Markings. They received a hale and opened up the communication line. Captain Soren Hedstrom came on the screen. Fujita bowed as Hedstrom bowed back.
Hedstrom - “Empress Rebecca I bid me meet you on my way to exchange some new members to your crew. She says she understands that replacing a friend is impossible but she also knows you need to have some one else to help take up the slack. I have the new members ready to beam over when you feel ready.”
Fujita wasn't sure how to feel. He appreciated the extra help but he wasn’t sure if he could trust someone he'd never met. Well after this mission they'll be done and with Hansuke needing to make a full report to the empress herself, they'll be headed straight back to their new home so it wouldn’t be a long time together and if it didn’t work out he could find a replacement and bring the recommendation to the empress.
Fujita - “I'll have the transporter room made ready. Thank you for coming this way to meet us. I'm sure you must be busy with your new mission.”
Hedstrom - “It was no problem. We were heading to a few new planets with Minister Suzuki. I was saddened at hearing about what happened on the Saiyan planet. Its not easy to lose a friend especially one as close as the 2 of you were.”
Fujita nodded looking sad. Lana looked at Fujita.
Lana - “The transporter room is ready to receive our new members.”
Fujita nodded again. Hedstrom nodded as well and nodded to one of his crew members.
Hestrom - “I can only offer this advice. Stay strong and always have hope. We can never know what this universe has in store for us. Don’t let your sorrow become your life instead let it give you strength to face the unknown future. Hedstrom out.”
The communication line closed. Fujita stood and headed to the transporter room where 2 women were materializing. One was blond in a crisp white uniform and the other was black haired and in an army green uniform. Both stepped off the platform and bowed as Fujita bowed back.
Fujita - “Captain Hiroki Fujita, I welcome you both to the HMRS Celestial Spirit.”
The black haired one stepped forward with a stern look on her face.
Lady - “Major General Tora Genji and this is....”
She motioned to the lady in white who stood next to her.
Tora - “Lieutenant Commander Ragna Ibsen. We have been assigned to this ship for the remainder of your mission. I am not here to take your ship from you but I must say that I won't appreciated another transaction like that to happen under my watch. I will be either by your side or the minister's and where I'm not Ibsen will take that position. I will accompany the minister to the surface next time and Ibsen will be your second in command during that time. Is that understood, captain?”
Fujita nodded unable to say much else. He was outranked and couldn't really argue. Ibsen herself smiled a bit.
Tora - “Now I would like to talk to the minister to get the full story on what happened. Ibsen will accompany you to the bridge and you will give her the run-down on her duties. When we arrive at the planet, I will do the scan and report on the planet. We can not be caught off guard again.”
Fujita nodded and headed for the door.
Fujita - “I'll show you to her room.”
Tora nodded as Fujita left the room followed by Tora and behind her Ibsen. Fujita stopped infront of Hansuke's quarters and knocked.
Hansuke (from behind the door) - “Yes?”
Fujita - “Its Captain Fujita. I have someone who wants to speak with you.”
Hansuke opened the door. Tora stepped forward.
Hansuke - “Yes?”
Tora - “We need to discuss the recent incident. The empress showed me your report. It lacks detail and I want to know everything. From the minute you beamed onto the planet to the minute you left.”
Hansuke's face fell as she nodded and backed up into her room. Tora went in and closed the door behind her. Fujita went on to the bridge with Ibsen following him. Once on the bridge, he introduced her to the rest of his crew and went thru what Morelli had been in charge of.
Ibsen - “So, this kompis was your right-hand man. I will do my best to perform his duties. I wont let the crew down.”
Fujita nodded as he took his seat.
Fujita - “Lana, lets continue onto our destination. We need to continue our mission.”
Lana nodded and put the ship back on the move.
Back in Hansuke's quarters, Tora sat back and sipped her cup of tea.
Tora - “So, that's the full story. If what you say is true, then if anyone is at fault its Commander Morelli. As a commanding officer, I can not condone such actions but as a fellow solider and Inuyashian, I understand his reasoning. It isn't easy to give up everything for the sake of your country. He will be missed.”
Hansuke turned her head. She had been with him but couldn't prevent it. She felt just as at fault and would ask the empress to punish her if only to ease the suffering in her heart.
Tora - “As long as he's alive, we'll have a chance to get him back at some point. Maybe we can make a deal with them once they trust us or maybe we can at least get them to allow his family and friends to stay with him from time to time. I know several people who have asked to know where he is and what happened. The empress made a simple statement to the armed forces that Commander Morelli had been relieved of active duty for an indefinite period of time. I had no answers for them. Maybe some will come for them once Fujita returns home.”
Hansuke nodded.
Hansuke - “He wrote letters. Fujita told me about them. He has them in his room for safe keeping in a locked box. We both agreed it wasn’t right to open them for any reason. Fujita promised to be the one to deliver them personally.”
Tora - “That's good. I hope they ease everyone's hearts some. The empress was saddened on hearing the news. She has spent more time with her family because of it. She also refused to send her oldest children out to the other planets as was originally planned. Minister Suzuki volunteered even with her protests. His determination made her agree in the end. Minister Inoue and Minister Musashi have taken over his roles as well as their own. Minister Musashi is still proving himself and cleaning up the left over messes of Minister Himura. Empress is wary of him which is understandable. I for my part believe that Minister Musashi is more strict and more loyal that Minister Himura ever was.”
Hansuke - “I didn’t realize a new one had been appointed already. What's he like?”
Tora - “hmph, He's strong, rigid. He's using more western techniques than eastern. He was born in the mountains of Yuki-Yori to a former general who raised him in the method of the army. He studied several techniques from ancient times and adapted them as he needed them.”
Hansuke - “What of his looks, his demeanor around people both in the service and out.”
Tora - “He stands at least 6 feet tall. Always wears a white uniform like the snow from his homeland. Its trimmed with gold and on his waist he carries a traditional English long sword. Now that he's become Minister, he wears a white cape that wraps around his shoulders. His eyes are light blue and cold as ice at times and his hair is long and almost white blonde. His demeanor for those in the service is strict. He doesn’t take anything but the best from them and if they do anything wrong they all have to do it over again. He's not happy with Fujita right now. For those not in the service, he tolerates them to a point. If he feels you're wasting his time, he'll let you know and he has already raised his voice to the empress over some of her ideas towards the armed forces. She is forced to agree with him once he explains out his oppositions but it doesn’t help her feel at ease with most of them. Minister Inoue was selected to be the mediator because Minister Musashi and Minister Inoue used to be friends and can understand each other. Minister Suzuki made sure that Minister Musashi would be able to force the empress to make a choice she wouldn't regret.”
Hansuke nodded.
Hansuke - “I understand. I'll be careful around him. We need to make sure he doesn't upset anyone unnecessarily. Our foreign relations are strained as it is without someone going off the handle and causing more disruption. I just have to wonder how he came to be minister when he seems as much hot-headed as Himura, maybe more.”
Tora - “It puzzles me too but the majority of the armed forces agreed that he was best suited at the time. He was a decorated solider and highly revered even though many of them hadn't ever met him. I myself had only heard rumors until I met him at the nomination meeting. Being a high ranking officer, I was selected to be on the committee to help select our new minister. Minister Suzuki, Supreme Admiral Le Blanc, and a few other high ranking officers made up the panel. Considering, the movement of our world, everyone agreed that the empress need not be involved so as not to strain her unnecessarily.”
Hansuke nodded. She remembered how stressed the empress had been. Trying to spend time with her family while trying to keep her nation together had worn her out numerous times. To the point that she and Suzuki had to force her to rest and take time away before she collapsed from exhaustion. It had been a hard time for everyone involved and they were just now seeing the results, small though they were.
Hansuke - “I take it that there were few other candidates that met the requirements as best as he did then.”
Tora nodded.
Tora - “His application was beyond impressive. Few others had had as much active duty as he did or had as many medals as he had received. It really left an impression on all involved. The interview also left us bedazzled because he answered all our questions quickly and to the point and very military in his answers. He didn't even sit down till Suzuki permitted him to being that Suzuki was the highest ranked member there. Ever other candidate took more time to answer the questions and some of them were half-assed at best. Each of us quickly eliminated many of them during the interview. When it came time to choose, we all agreed. It felt right at the time. I don’t see him betraying the empress but seeing him back talk her at times makes me worry. Suzuki is worried to but he feels he made the right decision. We need a strong leader both in the military and in our country. Suzuki thinks he might be trying to strengthen her heart so that she'll never be deceived again. I for now agree with Minister Suzuki.”
Hansuke nodded, if Suzuki felt this way she would go along with it. She had worked with him long enough to understand his line of thinking most times and have the same thoughts as well. They cared for the empress more than anything. Suzuki for his part had to be harsh with her at times to remind her to take care of herself. With Anakin and Jade being older now, they assisted Suzuki and herself in making sure that Rebecca never over taxed herself. Tora stood up.
Tora - “I need to see to the bridge. I'd advise you to write out the full story you told me to present to the empress upon our arrival home. I will be among your guard when we land on the next planet. I will not allow another transaction like that again. We have to be more cautious now. I also advise you to stay here until I or Lieutenant Commander Ibsen come for you. This is for your safety as well as an assurance as to where you are. I don't trust people easily and while I may feel more comfortable with you as a person, I still don't trust you as a minister. If you'll excuse me.”
Tora turned and left the room. Hansuke got up and laid down on her bed. How much longer was she gonna feel so guilty. Tora had said that it was mainly Morelli's fault but she felt much of the blame because she had failed as foreign minister. If this continued, she began to feel it might be better to resign her position than risk that happening again. Depending on how this meeting went, she might just request it. Hansuke rolled onto her back and covered her eyes with her arm. Empress wouldn't punish her and she knew that. Empress would hold her like a mother and console her but she didn't deserve it.
Tora walked onto the bridge.
Tora - “How are we progressing?”
Fujita jumped slightly but nodded to Lana to report.
Lana - “We are currently traveling at warp 4 towards the next planet. We are still 4,000 clicks from it. We haven't been able to do a scan yet but once we've closed the distance some more, we'll be able to get a viable scan. We should arrive within the next 8-10 hours. We can increase warp for a time if you wish to arrive sooner.”
Lana turned to Tora.
Tora - “There's no need. It gives the minister time to collect herself. Ibsen, let her know the time frame and see if she requires anything as well. Guard her door for the next 4 hours and then return here. I will take the last 4-6 hours. When we reach the planet, achieve orbit then wait for further orders. Scan the area every 3 minutes as well as the surrounding space area. Any changes are to be reported immediately. Is that understood?”
The crew stood at attention and answered in the affirmative. Tora nodded.
Tora - “Return to your duties.”
Ibsen left the bridge as Fujita looked at Tora.
Fujita - “I thought you weren't gonna take my ship?”
Tora - “I'm not but I wanted the basic orders out so that we don’t get caught unaware next time. I believe you or Supreme Admiral would have done the same.”
Tora glanced at him to the corner of her eye. Fujita leaned back into his chair frustrated.
Tora - “Besides, you probably require some relief as well. I suggest you take this time to rest up. Once we arrive at the planet, I wont have the crew taking a break in case anything happens.”
Fujita understood Tora's reasoning but he still hated the idea of being told what to do on his own ship. Lana listened closely. She had witness Fujita as they left the planet. He had been unusually silent and gloomy and he hadn't rested much either. With Tora's suggestion, she felt she should say something as well and turned around.
Lana - “Fujita-sama, I believe you should go rest as well. You've been pushing yourself too hard since we've left. He wouldn't want you to be dragged into despair because of him.”
Lana looked determined at Fujita how first looked shocked but then sad with a small smile on his face.
Fujita - “You're right. He'd hit me if he saw me like this. Alright, Tora you have the bridge. Lana, keep us going strong.”
The ladies nodded as Fujita stood and left the bridge. Tora remained standing by the captain's chair. This wasn't her ship and by her own principles, she refused to sit on something that belonged to someone else, especially without their knowing. She would remain as she was and command the bridge as she would her troops, nothing else.
10 hours later, they had achieved orbit and Tora exchanged her post with Ibsen.
Tora - “Report.”
Lana stood.
Lana - “Its a Class-M desert world. We have human readings and a few animal readings in various places. We have locked onto the largest gathering. They appear to stopped moving for the time being.”
Tora - “Stopped moving?”
Lana - “Yes, our previous scans showed them in one position and each time the group had moved some. We loosely figured that they are nomadic. That could prove a problem with later meetings.”
Tora - “Yes, we'll need to see if they'd be willing to change that. Maybe we could offer some modern conveniences to entice them to do so. Alright, how many guards have been appointed to beam down with me and the minister.”
Fujita - “The same 5 volunteered again. Most others weren't willing to take the risk.”
Tora - “Then you order them. Get me 3 more at least. I'm gonna go talk to the minister about the procedures once we arrive on the planet.”
Fujita held his tongue as Tora left the bridge.
Fujita – Dammit, how can I ask people to risk their lives like that.............no one is going to and I wouldn't feel right ordering them to.”
Lana stepped forward and held his hand.
Lana - “Let me ask around. I'll try and get the 3 she requires. Don’t take it personally. You're a great captain and leader.”
Fujita looked up at her and smiled a little placing his other hand on hers.
Fujita - “You're right, thank you.”
Lana smiled and headed for the door.
Lana - “I wont be long. Hey, Leya, keep up the scans till I return.”
A young blonde nodded and moved to Lana's station and kept up the scans as Lana ran off the bridge. After some coaching and a little bargaining, Lana had the 3 additional guards that Tora required. She led them to where the rest of the guards were and returned to the bridge where Ibsen stood by the captain. Lana moved to her station giving her captain a nod and a wink as she retook her position. Fujita nodded and relaxed. Ibsen pretended she hadn't seen figuring it wasn't any of her business. Tora's voice came over the intercom.
Tora - “Are we ready?”
Fujita - “Yes, the guards are gathered and the transporter room is ready.”
Tora - “Good. Beam the guard down first and have them scout the area a little before we beam down.”
Fujita - “Yes, ma'am.”
The connection was severed.
Fujita - “Patch me into the gathering place.”
Lana nodded and made the connection
Lana - “Connected.”
Fujita - “Devon, is your group armed and ready?”
Devon - “Yes, captain. We have informed the new members of our duties and have armed everyone.”
Fujita - “Good. Major General, wishes you to beam down first and scout the area before she and Hansuke are beamed down.”
Devon - “Understood we will contact once we have secured the landing site. Devon out.”
Fujita nodded as Lana severed the connection. Fujita leaned forward and thought. And so it begins again. What awaits us on this dust ball. Allies, power hungry barbarians. After all this, he knew one thing he had to do upon their return home. He'd demand time for his crew to return to their homes and receive spiritual healing from their family and friends as well as some physical relaxation. He knew empress would grant it easily but would the new war minister. He had heard a new one was appointed but he couldn't get much more from Ibsen besides his name and every time he talked to Tora he felt anger and frustration. Camus Musashi, just what kind of person was he. A voice broke his silent thoughts.
Devon - “Captain? We have secured the area and are awaiting the package.”
Fujita sat back up collecting himself.
Fujita - “Yes, We'll send them down then. Lana connect me to Hansuke's room.”
Lana did nodding.
Fujita - “Major General, they are awaiting you on the surface.”
Tora - “Understood. Ibsen, keep an eye on Fujita and his crew. We cant afford a single mistake.”
Ibsen - “Yes, ma'am.”
The connection was severed as Tora ushered Hansuke to the transporter room and they were beamed down. 8 guards met them on the surface and stood at attention.
Tora - “Who's incharge of this group?”
Devon stepped forward.
Devon - “Lieutenant Devon Jones. I was also assigned to the previous group though I wasn't the highest ranking officer there.”
Tora - “Do your duty and don't look back. Has the area been secured? What have you seen?”
Devon - “Yes, Ma'am, we secured the area upon arrival we each went out for about 5 kilometers in different direction. Julie spotted a large camp another 10 or so kilometers in that direction.”
Devon point out the direction, Tora nodded.
Tora - “Good. Minister, I request you hood yourself as I asked you to in your room. For your protection both physically and to hide who you are for now.”
Hansuke regretfully placed the hood of her cloak on. Hiding under a hood was so demeaning.
Tora - “Alright, lets move out. Weapons at the ready. Phasers set to stun for now.”
The guards nod as they ready their individual weapons and the ones with phasers adjust the level. They began moving towards the camp. Tora held Hansuke back a bit.
Tora - “I want you in back so that you can make a quick get away should things turn bad. That cloak has a built in tracking device and communicator.”
Tora joined the rest of the troops as Hansuke filed in behind. The camp grew large as they neared it. Women ushered their children into large tents as men who had been working gathered tools and guarded their homes. One man ran to the largest tent in the middle of the gathering. Minutes later as Hansuke's group neared the tent a man in a white turban came out.
Man - “What's going on? Who are you people? Members of Chu'a's tribe?”
Tora stepped forward.
Tora - “We are not from Chu'a's tribe. We come from Gaia. Sent by our empress to reach diplomatic ties with neighboring planets. We wish to speak with the person in charge.”
Man - “I am the Chieftain of this tribe. There are several scattered about the world and very few know them all. I have personally met with most of the other chieftains and have some sway with them. Come in, it would be impolite to let you get overheated when you've come for peace. Come, Come.”
He lead them into his tent where several pillows were scattered about around a larger one which he took. Tora slily told Hansuke not to remove the hood just yet as they sat down with Hansuke sitting directly in front of the man who looked to Tora.
Man - “Are you the one making the ties or is it your hooded friend? We have no secrets here so would you be so kind as to repay us that.”
Tora looked a little unsure but Hansuke removed her hood.
Hansuke - “You are very wise and honorable. I am the one making the ties........though I haven't been doing a very good job so far. I would be honored to know your name but I guess I should introduce myself first. Hansuke Sun, Foreign Minister for Inuyashia, lead by her Eminence Empress Rebecca I.”
The man nodded.
Man - “Hansuke, it is an honor to meet you as well. I am Chieftain Honovi Balin of the Karura tribe. I bid you stay with us and rest. Aiyana, could you bring some drinks for our guests.”
A beauty brunette with dark skin came in with a tray of glasses which she passed around before seating with Honovi.
Girl - “Who are our guests, my Lal?”
Honovi pulled her closer.
Honovi - “They are travelers from a far place, Behula. This is Hansuke Sun from Inuyashia and this is my wife Aiyana and the love of my life.”
He kissed her cheek which made her giggle a little.
Aiyana - “I don’t remember hearing of Inuyashia. Is it a new tribe?”
Honovi wasn't sure how to answer that so Hansuke spoke up.
Hansuke - “Actually, We aren’t from this planet. We're actually not originally from this galaxy.”
Honovi and his wife looked surprised.
Honovi - “Please go on..........To have traveled so far must be frightening thing to do. I would like to know more.”
Much to Tora's dismay, Hansuke preceded to Honovi and his wife the history that led them to this galaxy. Afterwards, Honovi looked at his wife who nodded back.
Honovi - “It would seem you really do need friends. I cannot speak for all the tribes but I can see about calling a meeting of all the chieftains. It would be a first but then this is a first for us and I for one would welcome you to this galaxy with open arms. Behula, mind getting my writing desk. The sooner we get the meeting together, the better.”
Aiyana kissed her husband's cheek as Hansuke relaxed some. She had done it but would the rest of the tribes agree. Tora had already given her dirty looks. She was sure that Tora would explode once they were alone but if they succeeded would it really matter. She was hoping all would go well as Aiyana returned with the small writing desk.
Aiyana - “I'll find our fastest riders. How many will we need?”
Honovi - “Oh, about 6 or 8. Find as many as you can and we'll divide them up as we can.”
Hedstrom - “Empress Rebecca I bid me meet you on my way to exchange some new members to your crew. She says she understands that replacing a friend is impossible but she also knows you need to have some one else to help take up the slack. I have the new members ready to beam over when you feel ready.”
Fujita wasn't sure how to feel. He appreciated the extra help but he wasn’t sure if he could trust someone he'd never met. Well after this mission they'll be done and with Hansuke needing to make a full report to the empress herself, they'll be headed straight back to their new home so it wouldn’t be a long time together and if it didn’t work out he could find a replacement and bring the recommendation to the empress.
Fujita - “I'll have the transporter room made ready. Thank you for coming this way to meet us. I'm sure you must be busy with your new mission.”
Hedstrom - “It was no problem. We were heading to a few new planets with Minister Suzuki. I was saddened at hearing about what happened on the Saiyan planet. Its not easy to lose a friend especially one as close as the 2 of you were.”
Fujita nodded looking sad. Lana looked at Fujita.
Lana - “The transporter room is ready to receive our new members.”
Fujita nodded again. Hedstrom nodded as well and nodded to one of his crew members.
Hestrom - “I can only offer this advice. Stay strong and always have hope. We can never know what this universe has in store for us. Don’t let your sorrow become your life instead let it give you strength to face the unknown future. Hedstrom out.”
The communication line closed. Fujita stood and headed to the transporter room where 2 women were materializing. One was blond in a crisp white uniform and the other was black haired and in an army green uniform. Both stepped off the platform and bowed as Fujita bowed back.
Fujita - “Captain Hiroki Fujita, I welcome you both to the HMRS Celestial Spirit.”
The black haired one stepped forward with a stern look on her face.
Lady - “Major General Tora Genji and this is....”
She motioned to the lady in white who stood next to her.
Tora - “Lieutenant Commander Ragna Ibsen. We have been assigned to this ship for the remainder of your mission. I am not here to take your ship from you but I must say that I won't appreciated another transaction like that to happen under my watch. I will be either by your side or the minister's and where I'm not Ibsen will take that position. I will accompany the minister to the surface next time and Ibsen will be your second in command during that time. Is that understood, captain?”
Fujita nodded unable to say much else. He was outranked and couldn't really argue. Ibsen herself smiled a bit.
Tora - “Now I would like to talk to the minister to get the full story on what happened. Ibsen will accompany you to the bridge and you will give her the run-down on her duties. When we arrive at the planet, I will do the scan and report on the planet. We can not be caught off guard again.”
Fujita nodded and headed for the door.
Fujita - “I'll show you to her room.”
Tora nodded as Fujita left the room followed by Tora and behind her Ibsen. Fujita stopped infront of Hansuke's quarters and knocked.
Hansuke (from behind the door) - “Yes?”
Fujita - “Its Captain Fujita. I have someone who wants to speak with you.”
Hansuke opened the door. Tora stepped forward.
Hansuke - “Yes?”
Tora - “We need to discuss the recent incident. The empress showed me your report. It lacks detail and I want to know everything. From the minute you beamed onto the planet to the minute you left.”
Hansuke's face fell as she nodded and backed up into her room. Tora went in and closed the door behind her. Fujita went on to the bridge with Ibsen following him. Once on the bridge, he introduced her to the rest of his crew and went thru what Morelli had been in charge of.
Ibsen - “So, this kompis was your right-hand man. I will do my best to perform his duties. I wont let the crew down.”
Fujita nodded as he took his seat.
Fujita - “Lana, lets continue onto our destination. We need to continue our mission.”
Lana nodded and put the ship back on the move.
Back in Hansuke's quarters, Tora sat back and sipped her cup of tea.
Tora - “So, that's the full story. If what you say is true, then if anyone is at fault its Commander Morelli. As a commanding officer, I can not condone such actions but as a fellow solider and Inuyashian, I understand his reasoning. It isn't easy to give up everything for the sake of your country. He will be missed.”
Hansuke turned her head. She had been with him but couldn't prevent it. She felt just as at fault and would ask the empress to punish her if only to ease the suffering in her heart.
Tora - “As long as he's alive, we'll have a chance to get him back at some point. Maybe we can make a deal with them once they trust us or maybe we can at least get them to allow his family and friends to stay with him from time to time. I know several people who have asked to know where he is and what happened. The empress made a simple statement to the armed forces that Commander Morelli had been relieved of active duty for an indefinite period of time. I had no answers for them. Maybe some will come for them once Fujita returns home.”
Hansuke nodded.
Hansuke - “He wrote letters. Fujita told me about them. He has them in his room for safe keeping in a locked box. We both agreed it wasn’t right to open them for any reason. Fujita promised to be the one to deliver them personally.”
Tora - “That's good. I hope they ease everyone's hearts some. The empress was saddened on hearing the news. She has spent more time with her family because of it. She also refused to send her oldest children out to the other planets as was originally planned. Minister Suzuki volunteered even with her protests. His determination made her agree in the end. Minister Inoue and Minister Musashi have taken over his roles as well as their own. Minister Musashi is still proving himself and cleaning up the left over messes of Minister Himura. Empress is wary of him which is understandable. I for my part believe that Minister Musashi is more strict and more loyal that Minister Himura ever was.”
Hansuke - “I didn’t realize a new one had been appointed already. What's he like?”
Tora - “hmph, He's strong, rigid. He's using more western techniques than eastern. He was born in the mountains of Yuki-Yori to a former general who raised him in the method of the army. He studied several techniques from ancient times and adapted them as he needed them.”
Hansuke - “What of his looks, his demeanor around people both in the service and out.”
Tora - “He stands at least 6 feet tall. Always wears a white uniform like the snow from his homeland. Its trimmed with gold and on his waist he carries a traditional English long sword. Now that he's become Minister, he wears a white cape that wraps around his shoulders. His eyes are light blue and cold as ice at times and his hair is long and almost white blonde. His demeanor for those in the service is strict. He doesn’t take anything but the best from them and if they do anything wrong they all have to do it over again. He's not happy with Fujita right now. For those not in the service, he tolerates them to a point. If he feels you're wasting his time, he'll let you know and he has already raised his voice to the empress over some of her ideas towards the armed forces. She is forced to agree with him once he explains out his oppositions but it doesn’t help her feel at ease with most of them. Minister Inoue was selected to be the mediator because Minister Musashi and Minister Inoue used to be friends and can understand each other. Minister Suzuki made sure that Minister Musashi would be able to force the empress to make a choice she wouldn't regret.”
Hansuke nodded.
Hansuke - “I understand. I'll be careful around him. We need to make sure he doesn't upset anyone unnecessarily. Our foreign relations are strained as it is without someone going off the handle and causing more disruption. I just have to wonder how he came to be minister when he seems as much hot-headed as Himura, maybe more.”
Tora - “It puzzles me too but the majority of the armed forces agreed that he was best suited at the time. He was a decorated solider and highly revered even though many of them hadn't ever met him. I myself had only heard rumors until I met him at the nomination meeting. Being a high ranking officer, I was selected to be on the committee to help select our new minister. Minister Suzuki, Supreme Admiral Le Blanc, and a few other high ranking officers made up the panel. Considering, the movement of our world, everyone agreed that the empress need not be involved so as not to strain her unnecessarily.”
Hansuke nodded. She remembered how stressed the empress had been. Trying to spend time with her family while trying to keep her nation together had worn her out numerous times. To the point that she and Suzuki had to force her to rest and take time away before she collapsed from exhaustion. It had been a hard time for everyone involved and they were just now seeing the results, small though they were.
Hansuke - “I take it that there were few other candidates that met the requirements as best as he did then.”
Tora nodded.
Tora - “His application was beyond impressive. Few others had had as much active duty as he did or had as many medals as he had received. It really left an impression on all involved. The interview also left us bedazzled because he answered all our questions quickly and to the point and very military in his answers. He didn't even sit down till Suzuki permitted him to being that Suzuki was the highest ranked member there. Ever other candidate took more time to answer the questions and some of them were half-assed at best. Each of us quickly eliminated many of them during the interview. When it came time to choose, we all agreed. It felt right at the time. I don’t see him betraying the empress but seeing him back talk her at times makes me worry. Suzuki is worried to but he feels he made the right decision. We need a strong leader both in the military and in our country. Suzuki thinks he might be trying to strengthen her heart so that she'll never be deceived again. I for now agree with Minister Suzuki.”
Hansuke nodded, if Suzuki felt this way she would go along with it. She had worked with him long enough to understand his line of thinking most times and have the same thoughts as well. They cared for the empress more than anything. Suzuki for his part had to be harsh with her at times to remind her to take care of herself. With Anakin and Jade being older now, they assisted Suzuki and herself in making sure that Rebecca never over taxed herself. Tora stood up.
Tora - “I need to see to the bridge. I'd advise you to write out the full story you told me to present to the empress upon our arrival home. I will be among your guard when we land on the next planet. I will not allow another transaction like that again. We have to be more cautious now. I also advise you to stay here until I or Lieutenant Commander Ibsen come for you. This is for your safety as well as an assurance as to where you are. I don't trust people easily and while I may feel more comfortable with you as a person, I still don't trust you as a minister. If you'll excuse me.”
Tora turned and left the room. Hansuke got up and laid down on her bed. How much longer was she gonna feel so guilty. Tora had said that it was mainly Morelli's fault but she felt much of the blame because she had failed as foreign minister. If this continued, she began to feel it might be better to resign her position than risk that happening again. Depending on how this meeting went, she might just request it. Hansuke rolled onto her back and covered her eyes with her arm. Empress wouldn't punish her and she knew that. Empress would hold her like a mother and console her but she didn't deserve it.
Tora walked onto the bridge.
Tora - “How are we progressing?”
Fujita jumped slightly but nodded to Lana to report.
Lana - “We are currently traveling at warp 4 towards the next planet. We are still 4,000 clicks from it. We haven't been able to do a scan yet but once we've closed the distance some more, we'll be able to get a viable scan. We should arrive within the next 8-10 hours. We can increase warp for a time if you wish to arrive sooner.”
Lana turned to Tora.
Tora - “There's no need. It gives the minister time to collect herself. Ibsen, let her know the time frame and see if she requires anything as well. Guard her door for the next 4 hours and then return here. I will take the last 4-6 hours. When we reach the planet, achieve orbit then wait for further orders. Scan the area every 3 minutes as well as the surrounding space area. Any changes are to be reported immediately. Is that understood?”
The crew stood at attention and answered in the affirmative. Tora nodded.
Tora - “Return to your duties.”
Ibsen left the bridge as Fujita looked at Tora.
Fujita - “I thought you weren't gonna take my ship?”
Tora - “I'm not but I wanted the basic orders out so that we don’t get caught unaware next time. I believe you or Supreme Admiral would have done the same.”
Tora glanced at him to the corner of her eye. Fujita leaned back into his chair frustrated.
Tora - “Besides, you probably require some relief as well. I suggest you take this time to rest up. Once we arrive at the planet, I wont have the crew taking a break in case anything happens.”
Fujita understood Tora's reasoning but he still hated the idea of being told what to do on his own ship. Lana listened closely. She had witness Fujita as they left the planet. He had been unusually silent and gloomy and he hadn't rested much either. With Tora's suggestion, she felt she should say something as well and turned around.
Lana - “Fujita-sama, I believe you should go rest as well. You've been pushing yourself too hard since we've left. He wouldn't want you to be dragged into despair because of him.”
Lana looked determined at Fujita how first looked shocked but then sad with a small smile on his face.
Fujita - “You're right. He'd hit me if he saw me like this. Alright, Tora you have the bridge. Lana, keep us going strong.”
The ladies nodded as Fujita stood and left the bridge. Tora remained standing by the captain's chair. This wasn't her ship and by her own principles, she refused to sit on something that belonged to someone else, especially without their knowing. She would remain as she was and command the bridge as she would her troops, nothing else.
10 hours later, they had achieved orbit and Tora exchanged her post with Ibsen.
Tora - “Report.”
Lana stood.
Lana - “Its a Class-M desert world. We have human readings and a few animal readings in various places. We have locked onto the largest gathering. They appear to stopped moving for the time being.”
Tora - “Stopped moving?”
Lana - “Yes, our previous scans showed them in one position and each time the group had moved some. We loosely figured that they are nomadic. That could prove a problem with later meetings.”
Tora - “Yes, we'll need to see if they'd be willing to change that. Maybe we could offer some modern conveniences to entice them to do so. Alright, how many guards have been appointed to beam down with me and the minister.”
Fujita - “The same 5 volunteered again. Most others weren't willing to take the risk.”
Tora - “Then you order them. Get me 3 more at least. I'm gonna go talk to the minister about the procedures once we arrive on the planet.”
Fujita held his tongue as Tora left the bridge.
Fujita – Dammit, how can I ask people to risk their lives like that.............no one is going to and I wouldn't feel right ordering them to.”
Lana stepped forward and held his hand.
Lana - “Let me ask around. I'll try and get the 3 she requires. Don’t take it personally. You're a great captain and leader.”
Fujita looked up at her and smiled a little placing his other hand on hers.
Fujita - “You're right, thank you.”
Lana smiled and headed for the door.
Lana - “I wont be long. Hey, Leya, keep up the scans till I return.”
A young blonde nodded and moved to Lana's station and kept up the scans as Lana ran off the bridge. After some coaching and a little bargaining, Lana had the 3 additional guards that Tora required. She led them to where the rest of the guards were and returned to the bridge where Ibsen stood by the captain. Lana moved to her station giving her captain a nod and a wink as she retook her position. Fujita nodded and relaxed. Ibsen pretended she hadn't seen figuring it wasn't any of her business. Tora's voice came over the intercom.
Tora - “Are we ready?”
Fujita - “Yes, the guards are gathered and the transporter room is ready.”
Tora - “Good. Beam the guard down first and have them scout the area a little before we beam down.”
Fujita - “Yes, ma'am.”
The connection was severed.
Fujita - “Patch me into the gathering place.”
Lana nodded and made the connection
Lana - “Connected.”
Fujita - “Devon, is your group armed and ready?”
Devon - “Yes, captain. We have informed the new members of our duties and have armed everyone.”
Fujita - “Good. Major General, wishes you to beam down first and scout the area before she and Hansuke are beamed down.”
Devon - “Understood we will contact once we have secured the landing site. Devon out.”
Fujita nodded as Lana severed the connection. Fujita leaned forward and thought. And so it begins again. What awaits us on this dust ball. Allies, power hungry barbarians. After all this, he knew one thing he had to do upon their return home. He'd demand time for his crew to return to their homes and receive spiritual healing from their family and friends as well as some physical relaxation. He knew empress would grant it easily but would the new war minister. He had heard a new one was appointed but he couldn't get much more from Ibsen besides his name and every time he talked to Tora he felt anger and frustration. Camus Musashi, just what kind of person was he. A voice broke his silent thoughts.
Devon - “Captain? We have secured the area and are awaiting the package.”
Fujita sat back up collecting himself.
Fujita - “Yes, We'll send them down then. Lana connect me to Hansuke's room.”
Lana did nodding.
Fujita - “Major General, they are awaiting you on the surface.”
Tora - “Understood. Ibsen, keep an eye on Fujita and his crew. We cant afford a single mistake.”
Ibsen - “Yes, ma'am.”
The connection was severed as Tora ushered Hansuke to the transporter room and they were beamed down. 8 guards met them on the surface and stood at attention.
Tora - “Who's incharge of this group?”
Devon stepped forward.
Devon - “Lieutenant Devon Jones. I was also assigned to the previous group though I wasn't the highest ranking officer there.”
Tora - “Do your duty and don't look back. Has the area been secured? What have you seen?”
Devon - “Yes, Ma'am, we secured the area upon arrival we each went out for about 5 kilometers in different direction. Julie spotted a large camp another 10 or so kilometers in that direction.”
Devon point out the direction, Tora nodded.
Tora - “Good. Minister, I request you hood yourself as I asked you to in your room. For your protection both physically and to hide who you are for now.”
Hansuke regretfully placed the hood of her cloak on. Hiding under a hood was so demeaning.
Tora - “Alright, lets move out. Weapons at the ready. Phasers set to stun for now.”
The guards nod as they ready their individual weapons and the ones with phasers adjust the level. They began moving towards the camp. Tora held Hansuke back a bit.
Tora - “I want you in back so that you can make a quick get away should things turn bad. That cloak has a built in tracking device and communicator.”
Tora joined the rest of the troops as Hansuke filed in behind. The camp grew large as they neared it. Women ushered their children into large tents as men who had been working gathered tools and guarded their homes. One man ran to the largest tent in the middle of the gathering. Minutes later as Hansuke's group neared the tent a man in a white turban came out.
Man - “What's going on? Who are you people? Members of Chu'a's tribe?”
Tora stepped forward.
Tora - “We are not from Chu'a's tribe. We come from Gaia. Sent by our empress to reach diplomatic ties with neighboring planets. We wish to speak with the person in charge.”
Man - “I am the Chieftain of this tribe. There are several scattered about the world and very few know them all. I have personally met with most of the other chieftains and have some sway with them. Come in, it would be impolite to let you get overheated when you've come for peace. Come, Come.”
He lead them into his tent where several pillows were scattered about around a larger one which he took. Tora slily told Hansuke not to remove the hood just yet as they sat down with Hansuke sitting directly in front of the man who looked to Tora.
Man - “Are you the one making the ties or is it your hooded friend? We have no secrets here so would you be so kind as to repay us that.”
Tora looked a little unsure but Hansuke removed her hood.
Hansuke - “You are very wise and honorable. I am the one making the ties........though I haven't been doing a very good job so far. I would be honored to know your name but I guess I should introduce myself first. Hansuke Sun, Foreign Minister for Inuyashia, lead by her Eminence Empress Rebecca I.”
The man nodded.
Man - “Hansuke, it is an honor to meet you as well. I am Chieftain Honovi Balin of the Karura tribe. I bid you stay with us and rest. Aiyana, could you bring some drinks for our guests.”
A beauty brunette with dark skin came in with a tray of glasses which she passed around before seating with Honovi.
Girl - “Who are our guests, my Lal?”
Honovi pulled her closer.
Honovi - “They are travelers from a far place, Behula. This is Hansuke Sun from Inuyashia and this is my wife Aiyana and the love of my life.”
He kissed her cheek which made her giggle a little.
Aiyana - “I don’t remember hearing of Inuyashia. Is it a new tribe?”
Honovi wasn't sure how to answer that so Hansuke spoke up.
Hansuke - “Actually, We aren’t from this planet. We're actually not originally from this galaxy.”
Honovi and his wife looked surprised.
Honovi - “Please go on..........To have traveled so far must be frightening thing to do. I would like to know more.”
Much to Tora's dismay, Hansuke preceded to Honovi and his wife the history that led them to this galaxy. Afterwards, Honovi looked at his wife who nodded back.
Honovi - “It would seem you really do need friends. I cannot speak for all the tribes but I can see about calling a meeting of all the chieftains. It would be a first but then this is a first for us and I for one would welcome you to this galaxy with open arms. Behula, mind getting my writing desk. The sooner we get the meeting together, the better.”
Aiyana kissed her husband's cheek as Hansuke relaxed some. She had done it but would the rest of the tribes agree. Tora had already given her dirty looks. She was sure that Tora would explode once they were alone but if they succeeded would it really matter. She was hoping all would go well as Aiyana returned with the small writing desk.
Aiyana - “I'll find our fastest riders. How many will we need?”
Honovi - “Oh, about 6 or 8. Find as many as you can and we'll divide them up as we can.”